Pre-K · Counting & Cardinality
PK.CC.3c: Next number is +1
PK.CC.3c is a Pre-K math standard in Counting & Cardinality. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The Pre-K math learning standard
Understand that each successive number name refers to a quantity that is one larger.
In plain words
Next number is +1.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
Count the dots and add 1 more. How many dots now?
- 3
- 4
- 5
Where students can get stuck
- Recounting the whole group from one after a single object is added, instead of saying the next number.
- Guessing that one more than five is seven, instead of moving to the very next number.
- Thinking that taking one away changes the total by a lot, and not yet knowing one less than four is three.
Effective teaching strategies
- Add one more block to a tower of four and ask how many there are now, so students say 5 as the next number without recounting from one.
- Build towers of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 blocks side by side and point out that each tower is one block taller than the one before it.
- Remove one block from a tower of four and ask how many are left, so students link one less to the number said just before 4.
Share it with families
Families can read Each number in the count is one more for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice counting at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free for every family.
See how it works for teachers
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.